Levi KeswickKey takeaways:
- Koio’s sustainable luxury footwear, crafted with Italian artisanal expertise, is gaining popularity among fashion-conscious consumers.
- Founded by Johannes Quodt and Chris Wichert, Koio is driven by a commitment to sustainability, quality, and affordability.
- Koio’s recycling initiative underscores the brand’s dedication to eco-conscious practices.
- The brand anticipates shifting entirely to regenerative leather by 2025, a bold move towards mitigating climate change.
- With a range of stylish sneakers, boots, loafers, and accessories, Koio maintains a versatile product portfolio appealing to a broad customer base.
The Genesis of the Koio Exchange: Fusing Style and Sustainability
When Johannes Quodt and Chris Wichert, two sneaker enthusiasts and business-minded individuals, came together in 2015, the result was Koio – a brand that represents the perfect blend of stylish, snug, and sustainable footwear. Despite lacking a background in fashion or design, the duo launched Koio with a vision to create flawless sneakers that wouldn’t compromise style for sustainability.
Johannes and Chris delved deep into the fashion industry, leaning on expertise from professors at Parson and FIT to engineer the ideal sneaker. Their focus? Ensuring sustainability remained at the heart of their venture, and quality was the core element of their offerings.
Their pursuit of perfection led them to Italian leather and family-owned factories, recognizing the exceptional quality and artistry these sources offered. After visiting over thirty-four factories in Italy, they selected one in Le Marche that shared their commitment to detail – a dedication to quality evident in the work of high-end labels like Chanel and Hermes that also employed the same factories.
The Rise of Koio: Captivating the Conscious Consumer
From its inception, Koio has kept its promises, offering haute couture quality footwear without the matching price tag. Sold directly through their website, the minimalist sneakers quickly gained popularity among style mavens, garnering the brand a significant following on Instagram. The question remained: could Koio’s trendy sneakers meet the high standards for conscious living? As evidenced by the brand’s popularity and positive reviews, Koio has indeed passed this test with flying colors.
Behind the Name: Koio’s Dedication to Quality and Sustainability
Koio, derived from the Italian word for leather, ‘cuoio,’ is a fitting name for a brand that prides itself on sustainable sourcing and top-notch Italian leathers. Each pair of Koio shoes goes through forty-two steps, from cutting to boxing, all executed in the same factory in Le Marche, Italy. This singular production location aids in minimizing transport emissions, further enhancing the brand’s sustainability score.
The brand has established a unique Koio Recycling initiative, allowing customers to return their worn-out sneakers in exchange for a $50 discount on their next purchase. This practice ensures Koio sneakers never end up in landfills, while rewarding loyal customers with continuous value.
Moreover, Koio’s commitment to the environment extends to its active support of regenerative farming. This agricultural practice is considered a critical lever in fighting climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and enriching soil with it.
A Vision for the Future: The Regenerative Leather Initiative
Building on its commitment to sustainable practices, Koio launched the world’s first-ever luxury regenerative footwear in 2022. Sourced from farms in the Swiss Alps practicing regenerative grazing, this leather variant bolsters ecosystem restoration. By 2025, Koio aims to exclusively use regenerative leather in its production, affirming its dedication to environmental stewardship.
Koio’s Product Portfolio: Catering to Diverse Style Preferences
Koio’s diverse range of sneakers reflects the brand’s evolution since 2015. From the best-selling Capris, Retro Runners, Court Classics, to high-tops, Koio offers a variety of men’s and women’s footwear. The collection extends to include boots, loafers, and slides, as well as footwear accessories like eco-cleaners, microfiber cloths, and laces.
Koio also offers apparel, with the Koio Vinci Sweatshirt being a notable addition for anyone seeking to complete their rotation of street style classics.
Craftsmanship at the Core: Ensuring Quality and Sustainability
From its beginning, Koio has prioritized high-quality craftsmanship and sustainable materials. It exclusively uses Italian leathers certified by the Leather Working Group (LWG).
Koio shoes are handcrafted in Italy by artisans who take pride in their work, reflecting the founders’ commitment to exceptional quality. The respect shown towards these workers and the dedication to minimizing environmental impact underscore the brand’s ethos – one that values product quality, people, and the planet alike.
Final Thoughts: The Koio Exchange – Changing the Game in Sustainable Fashion
Koio has not only reshaped the landscape of luxury footwear but also set new standards for sustainability in the fashion industry. With its commitment to regenerative leather, recycling initiatives, and dedication to quality, the brand has made significant strides towards more environmentally conscious fashion.
As we look towards a future where sustainable practices become increasingly vital, Koio stands as a pioneer, demonstrating that the balance between style, comfort, and eco-consciousness is indeed attainable.
